Scott Flynn to fill vacancy on Kent council

Local Attorney was One of 11 candidates for the at-large seat vacated by Robin Turner

By Thomas Gallick | Staff Writer Published: November 29, 2012 4:00 AM

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Kent City Council appointed attorney Scott Flynn Wednesday to fill the at-large seat left vacant by the resignation of Councilman Robin Turner last month.

Flynn, who works at the law firm of Flynn Keith and Flynn, described himself as a lifelong Kent resident, whose father and grandfather also were lifelong residents of the city.

"I have a lot of connections to Kent," he said.

Sean Buchanan, who also is a Kent attorney, came in second.

Flynn said one of his first concerns as a member of council would be figuring out a way to fund a new facility for the Kent Police Department.

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"The police station is an immediate need," he said. "We can't just continue as is, because (the current station) is an embarrassment."

He said in the short term, the city needs to focus on successfully completing the more than $100 million in downtown redevelopment work currently under way, while a longer term project would be revitalizing neighborhoods.

Asked if he would have time to serve on council and the seven non-profit boards he currently sits on, Flynn said he may consider dropping one or two of his non-profit positions.

"It's always been in my nature to give back to the community," he said.

Council selected Flynn out of 11 candidates, though only nine showed up for the interview process. He will replace Turner, who resigned in order to retire as a public employee.

Kent Mayor Jerry Fiala said Turner "brought his own flare" to council, and read a proclamation declaring Nov. 28 "Robin Turner Day." Fiala said Turner made key contributions to the city in the areas of economic development and senior housing.

Turner thanked the mayor, council and the city's administration, praising them for their teamwork.